Local execs, cops protecting illegal gambling, says new Cebu police head

CEBU — Newly appointed Cebu police director Drusillo Bolodo has barely warmed his seat, but he has started turning the heat on local government and fellow police officials, accusing them of protecting illegal gambling in their respective areas.

Bolodo threatened local government officials, particularly city and town mayors, that they could be held criminally liable if they fail to curb illegal gambling, although he rejected the idea of initiating legal action against them himself.

Bolodo said this criminal liability is anchored on Section 63 of Republic Act 8551 or the PNP Modernization Act which puts the control and supervision of anti-gambling operations in the hands of local officials.

Interviewed on radio station dyLA last Sunday, Bolodo said the failure of local government officials to curb illegal gambling within their jurisdictions is already an indication that they could be protecting such illegal operations.

But Bolodo’s brave words do not appear to stand on solid footing. He himself admitted that it would be difficult to gather evidence that would pin down the local officials protecting illegal gambling.

All he has are intelligence reports that masiao and video karera have grown rampant again in many municipalities, especially in the north.

Among the areas where illegal gambling reportedly still exists or has resurfaced are Tabogon, Medellin, San Remigio, Bogo, Consolacion, Naga, Carcar, Balamban and Toledo City.

Police sources in San Remigio and Bogo towns, who requested anonymity, said no campaign against illegal gambling is taking place because some ranking police officials are allegedly behind their operations.

"Kuyawan mi ug makatamak na hinoon mi ug tiil kay basin ug kining maong illegal gambling duna ni sanction sa taas (We fear we might step on some toes because this illegal gambling may be sanctioned from above)," a San Remigio policeman said.

Bolodo warned the town and city police chiefs that they would be relieved from their positions if they fail to act against illegal gambling.

Reports said the aggressive campaign of Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña against video karera has driven its operators to other places in the province.

Video karera, however, is still rampant in some Cebu City barangays like Pasil, Tejero, Ermita, Kamagayan, Calamba, Dulho-Fatima, Suba-Pasil and Labangon, the reports said.

The city council is now deliberating a proposed ordinance that seeks to penalize homeowners who allow video karera operations in their houses. — Freeman News Service